Did you know that blue light from ‘Digital Screens’ negatively affects health

We all take special care to protect our eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays; but what about the harmful effects of blue light rays?Usage of blue light emitting gadgets before bedtime prolongs the time it takes to fall asleep, delays the circadian clock, suppresses levels of the “darkness hormone” melatonin.

Sources of blue light include the sun, digital screens (TVs, computers, laptops, smart phones and tablets), electronic devices, and fluorescent and LED lighting.

As the day progresses, we actually move closer to the back lit devices

Impact on Sleep:

Digital Screens emit blue light which are so bright that at night, brain gets confused by that light. Blue wavelengths—which are beneficial during daylight hours because they boost attention, reaction times, and mood—seem to be the most disruptive at night. This causes the brain to stop producing melatonin, a hormone that gives body the “time to sleep” commands. Because of this, digital screen light can disrupt sleep cycle, making it harder to fall and stay asleep.

Changes in sleep patterns can in turn shift the body’s natural clock, known as its circadian rhythm. Studies have shown that shifts in this clock can have devastating health effects because it controls not only our wakefulness but also individual clocks that dictate function in the body’s organs. Research also shows that it may contribute to the causation of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and even obesity.

Eyes and Blue Light:

The visible wavelengths – which include the harmful blue wavelengths – pass right through the pupil and are absorbed by the retina. When blue light hits the retina, its high energy mixes with oxygen creating a destructive force that destroys photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium cells (RPE). Over time, this process can lead to Age‐related Macular Degeneration, (AMD).

Parents take a note: Children are at high risk when it comes to the negative effects of exposure to blue light

Children and teenagers (ages 8-18) spend around 7 hours a day consuming electronic mediain today’s increasingly technological society. Blue light is extremely damaging for kids as for children their eyes are still developing, and they may not have the protective pigments in their eyes to help filter out some of this blue light.

For children aged 2-4 screen time should be limited to less than 1 hour per day. For children aged 5-11 and 12-17 less than 2 hours of screen time per day.

Your post is really helpful for all specially for moms who can guide their children with your post information. Your study on blue light effects is really important to understand coz these days usage of gadgets by children uncreasing day by day. I will also do steps for decreasing my phone usage. Thanks for giving so much important info.